Earlier this month, during one of the several snow storms that swept through Maryland, a truck carrying 93 head of cattle toppled over after it slid off the road. According to a report by the Washington Times, the accident occurred on Interstate 81 near the interchange with Route 40, not far from Hagerstown.
Evidently, no one was hurt in the accident, however, it is not clear if any of the cattle were injured. Two lanes of traffic remained closed for several hours while another truck came to the scene to transport the shaken-up animals.
Reports indicate that, at the time of the accident, there was about six inches of snow that had recently fallen. Some parts of Western Maryland saw as much as 9.5 inches of snow during the same storm.
Weather-Related Truck Accidents in Maryland
For the most part, Maryland enjoys a fairly temperate climate. However, every now and then a harsh winter storm rolls through, upsetting the day-to-day routine with inches—sometimes feet—of snow. During these times most Marylanders fare alright, as they understand that they should stay home unless they absolutely need to travel on the road. And when they do need to travel, they know that they need to slow down and be careful.
However, truck drivers present a different situation. They don’t often have the luxury of staying home on a snow day because they have a job to do. With that said, they should know the limits of their rig and drive accordingly. However, sometimes the pressure of the job gets to them and they speed or cut other corners to save time. When these shortcuts are taken, the safety of those around them is in jeopardy.
Everyday maintenance that many drivers can get away with putting off can be critical for truck drivers. Routine maintenance such as checking the air and tread on their tires, ensuring their brakes work properly, and checking the weight distribution of their cargo can all prevent accidents. It is imperative that these checks are conducted each time a truck driver ventures out in inclement weather.
When a truck accident does occur, hopefully no one is injured. However, that can not always be the case. In some cases, innocent people are seriously or fatally injured due to the negligence of a truck driver. In such instances, the families of the accident victim should speak with an attorney to see if a wrongful death action many be appropriate.
Have You Lost a Loved One in a Maryland Truck Accident?
If you have recently lost a loved one in a Maryland truck accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation through what the law refers to as a wrongful death cause of action. A wrongful death action is essentially a negligence claim brought by a loved one of someone killed in an accident. Potential compensation that can be awarded in negligence or wrongful death actions may be for past medical expenses, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, as well as lost wages or a decrease in future earning capacity. To learn more, call 410-654-3600 to set up a free consultation with a dedicated Maryland truck accident attorney.
More Blog Posts:
Several Inmates and Correctional Officers Killed in Fatal Bus Accident, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published January 20, 2015.
Maryland Truck Driver Facing Criminal Charges for 2013 Fatal Accident, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published February 25, 2015.